NR551 Week 4 Discussion 2018 RN Safe Staffing Act
NR551 Healthcare Systems, Politics,
and Policy
Week 4 Discussion
RN Safe Staffing Act
Massive reductions in nursing budgets, combined with the
challenges presented by a growing nursing shortage, have resulted in fewer
nurses who are working longer hours and caring for sicker patients. This
situation compromises care and contributes to the nursing shortage by creating
an environment that drives nurses from the bedside. The American Nurses
Association (ANA) is fighting for legislation that would hold hospitals
accountable for the development and implementation of unit-by-unit nurse
staffing plans created in coordination with direct care registered nurses (RNs)
themselves, and based on each unit’s unique circumstances and changing needs.
Explore a current or proposed law/policy regulating nurse
staffing at the institutional, state, or federal level. How is nurse staffing
defined (ratios, acuity, census)? Present the law and/or policy and provide
information on where this law can be found. What is the intended effect of the
law and/or policy on patient outcomes?